'Khiladi', starring Ravi Teja in the lead, will head to theatres on February 11. In this interview, its actresses Dimple Hayathi and Meenakshi Chaudhary talk about their respective characters, working with the Mass Maharaja, their upcoming movies, and more.
Meenakshi:
When I was shooting for my first Telugu movie 'Ichata Vahanamulu Nilupa Raadu', somebody happened to show my pics to director Ramesh Varma. He didn't know that I was doing a Telugu movie at that time. He only knew that I have been in the Femina Miss India 2018 pageant.
The character in 'Khiladi' is very similar to my real-life self. After listening to the story, I totally loved it. Moreover, I was happy to know that a star hero like Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja sir is the hero. To get to act opposite a star hero in the second film itself is a big thing in itself.
Learning the Telugu lines was not easy. Ravi Teja sir's comic timing is spontaneous and fast-paced. I had to do my homework. I was nervous about not getting my lines right. Knowing Telugu is not my first language, he was very supportive. Above all, this is such a lovely character that is very close to who I am. I enjoyed doing it a lot. So, it was very easy for me to get into the skin of the character.
I don't count the number of minutes for which I am seen on the screen. I want to play only those characters that are relevant to the film. If my character is removed, will it affect the story? That's my criterion while choosing a script. Getting such kind of exposure in my second film itself is a great thing.
When you are doing a commercial film, there are many things that are there. There is a lip-lock scene in 'Khiladi' and it's there for a reason. You can't judge a character while playing it. Don't judge the character you are playing. That's what acting trainers teach you. If you can get angry or emotional, why can't you get romantic on screen? After all, it's our job.
I and Dimple have combination scenes. This is an ensemble cast project. The best thing about Dimple is that she is very true to herself and what she does. It's truly commendable.
'HIT 2' is my upcoming movie. I will be debuting in Tamil this year in 'Kolai'. Vijay Antony sir is its hero. These films will be different from what I have done in 'Khiladi'. I am excited about all my upcoming projects.
Dimple Hayathi:
I think the director (Ramesh Varma) of 'Khiladi' saw my Instagram pics. When I was given the story narration, I was briefed about both the female leads and was given a choice to pick one of them. I have done a special song in 'Gaddalakonda Ganesh', which the director of 'Khiladi' didn't know about at first.
Every director has his own individuality. When I did a special song under Harish Shankar's direction in 'Gaddalakonda Ganesh', the director gave me adequate space. I have evolved as an actor since my entry into the film industry.
I feature in three songs in 'Khiladi' and each of them belongs to a different genre. It's a full-fledged role that I have played. That's why it's a very satisfying movie. All the directors I have worked with so far have been unique in their own
ways.
With the exception of action sequences, I have a full-fledged role in the movie. When you see the movie, you will realize that the female leads are well-written characters. In recent times, no other mass film has been this good for heroines.
The excitement is high ahead of the theatrical release, considering the superb response the songs have garnered. I am yet to fathom the degree of expectations people are having on me. For the first time, I and Meenakshi have done a huge commercial film. That makes us nervous!
I shot for 'Saamanyudu' after shooting for 'Khiladi'. But the Vishal movie got released first in theatres. It's a dream come true that my movies have come out in two consecutive weeks. The Tamil version of 'Saamanyudu' is a hit and the Telugu one is above-average. That's what I am told.
After 'Gaddalakonda Ganesh', I did get a number of offers for special songs. But I didn't accept them lest I would be stereotyped. I didn't want to be labelled an "item girl". It took me time to do away with the perception. I love to dance and I might take up a special song or two in the future.
I was asked to shed weight to the tune of 6 kgs by the makers of 'Khiladi'. Shooting for 'Catch Me' was tough. It's not easy to look sexy on screen. I hope the audience like it!
I have lined up a Telugu film and two Tamil films. They will be announced officially by the respective makers.
